Govt ordered to ensure maintenance of peace

Staff ReporterSHILLONG, Nov 01: The Meghalaya government has been directed by the Meghalaya High Court to ensure that peace is maintained in the areas which had witnessed a violent protest earlier this year.While hearing a petition filed by the Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) here on Thursday, the single bench headed by Justice SR Sen in its order said, “In the meantime, it is also directed that the administration must ensure that peace to be maintained in the disputed area.”

The bench has also directed the state government and other respondents to file their respective counter affidavits within four weeks.It may be mentioned here that the Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) had filed a petition seeking quashment of the notification issued by the state government for constitution of the High Level Committee (HLC). The High Level Committee headed by deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong was constituted by the government on June 4, to find a permanent solution for relocation of the Sweepers’ Colony from Them Iew Mawlong.The decision was taken after the five-day violent protest which took place following an exchange of words between a bus driver and a lady residing at Them Iew Mawlong on May 31 over the parking of a bus.The altercation that led to the assault of the driver and two other persons by some men in the area, caused a volatile situation since May 31 night with unruly mob demanding shifting of settlers from Them ïew Mawlong.Meanwhile, the next hearing on the matter will be held after four weeks for further order.